Lawyer RAJAN CHETTIAR stresses the importance of seeking professional mediation services, to ensure divorce proceedings run smoothly.

Divorce mediation ­­is still a new concept in many countries, but is increasingly becoming well-known and accepted. The main advantage of both pre- and post-divorce mediation is to give you and your spouse control. Conflicts are inevitable in any divorce. But allowing an open exchange of information in total confidence encourages both spouses to negotiate and reach an amicable agreement. This can make a world of difference in helping you recover from your break-up and move on.
          Pre-divorce mediation can help you resolve current conflicts, discuss future concerns and find practical solutions prior to legal proceedings. Issues that can be worked out in pre-divorce mediation include finances, child custody and asset management. Post-divorce mediation is designed to focus primarily on parental responsibilities ­­– ensuring the healthy emotional development of any children caught in the midst of your divorce.

          In many countries, divorce mediation is offered by family lawyers. But in Singapore, the majority of mediation takes place in the Family Relations Centre of the Family Court after divorce proceedings are instituted. However, in most scenarios, family lawyers are in a better position to offer quality mediation services, as they’re trained in the field and have accumulated invaluable mediation experience throughout their years of practice. So don’t wait to be instructed to seek mediation before you explore this avenue.

          The highest chance for success lies in preparation and compromise. Both you and your estranged spouse are required to do preparatory work and provide documents and full disclosure of information during the sessions. Mediation is flexible. You and your spouse can decide how many sessions you want to have and if you’re unhappy, you can stop at any time. The mediator remains neutral between both parties and is neither allowed to give advice, nor represent either party during divorce proceedings. However, the mediator is allowed to identify what you should both be aware of and are attempting to accomplish with each session.

Advantages of divorce mediation

• Reduces emotional stress and conflict.
• Addresses your concerns and issues in an informal environment, rather than during court proceedings.
• Prevents acrimonious legal correspondence.
• Expedites legal proceedings – allowing you both to move on with your new lives quickly.

Rajan Chettiar
Commissioner for Oaths, Mediator LLB (Honours), Barrister-at-law (Middle Temple), UK